Before You Pack Your Bags

So you've been accepted into a university abroad, congratulations! Before you lose your voice from shouting at the top of your lungs, let me share with you a few things I wish I knew before I packed my bags. Although this is US specific, some aspects may apply to other international student destinations across the world. Before you embark on this journey, here are some things to keep in mind. 

Google is your friend. Everything from slang, pop culture etc. You need to be aware of the country (or state) you're going to live in. Know about the weather, food etc. If you don't know something google it. I have lost count of the number of times other students have told me they did not know their school was in the middle of nowhere. Don't just look at booklets from college fairs and get swayed by glamorous pictures and imagery. Do some research and learn more about the school yourself.  It's not everyday, "I'm an international student so I don't know," sometimes assimilate, please.              

Textbooks will suck you dry. It was after my senior year of college that I realized how much money I could have saved if I was frugal on textbooks alone. Tbh, I barely used some of the textbooks required. They ended up collecting dust. Let common sense guide you to determine which books you can and can't do without. If you fail your class because you didn't buy a book you needed, don't blame me. College funds are limited for many and education is expensive. Look for cheaper options on amazon and other book rental sites instead of your school's bookstore. 

Have money even when you're invited. When someone says "Let's go grab dinner" or "let's go out" it doesn't mean you should leave your wallet behind. No one is paying for you. Respect yourself, please. 

America is for everybody. This phrase tickles me! If you travel to the US on a student visa and you don't "have sense" to find a husband or wife during your 4 years, OPT shall embrace you with open arms. Depending on what you studied you have either 12 or 24 months after your 4 years of study to work in the US provided you find a job after a specific period post graduation. After you work, you may not be able to stay because the H1B system is a lottery and you may have to return to your home country and make it great. Talking about the H1B makes me tired, let's just leave it at that. For more information on OPT and H1B, "google is your friend". 

History major? think again. Going back to my earlier point, if you want to stay in the US longer post graduation, in the event that you get a job, you better rethink your major. Some majors are more beneficial to the American economy than others. FYI, all majors are not equal. Students who study IT, engineering, biology and other majors known as stem have more flexibility on their OPT than non - stem majors. Non-stem majors have 12 months OPT (no extension) versus stem majors with 24 months of OPT (with extension). Do the math. 

Reduce clutter. Don't get carried away and buy random things that you can't get rid off. One of the things I struggled with was getting rid off all the crap I had accumulated from college. You really don't need 5 different mugs. Trust me, you don't. Check craig's list and other apps ahead of time to sell some of your fairly used items or even better donate to charity.

Let common sense guide you. You are going to college for an education. Enjoy it! Moderation is key. Don't engage in any activities that will rip you off your visa. Just don't. 

Get involved. For me, it was a Christian organization on campus and a church down the street. Find something you're interested in and run with it. College is where you learn more about yourself. Take advantage of it and meet people. Don't just sit in your room and hide. This is not why you travelled thousands of miles, or is it?

Explore! Explore the city in which your school is located. If you decide to go to a small college in the middle of nowhere like I did, welp sucks to be you. But even then, try as much as possible to know what's happening around you and visit places. Don't just stay on campus. 

Free food is always key. Look for events on campus that have free food. My friends were hustlers for freebies and I usually tagged along. It's nothing to be ashamed of. It's a good way to be frugal. Don't worry, it will make more sense once midterm exams begin and you only have $3 in your account. 

Please feel free to comment and share your experiences so we can all learn or reminisce. I look forward to reading!